Sailor Rescued by Helicopter After Sailboat Runs Aground on Remote California Island

Santa Rosa Island, California — September 29, 2026

A sailor was rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter after a 25-foot sailboat ran aground on the remote Santa Rosa Island off the Southern California coast.

The incident happened on September 24, when Coast Guard officials received a distress call reporting that the recreational sailboat had become stranded on the island’s shoreline.

Helicopter Sent to the Island

Coast Guard watchstanders coordinated the launch of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Ventura. The crew flew to Santa Rosa Island and successfully retrieved the stranded sailor.

The sailor was taken by helicopter to Camarillo Airport, where Ventura County Fire Department personnel evaluated the person. No injuries were reported.

Boat Later Towed Away

The 25-foot sailboat remained on the beach after the rescue. A local towing company later removed the vessel from Santa Rosa Island and transported it to Ventura Harbor.

Authorities did not disclose what caused the sailboat to run aground.

A Remote Island

Santa Rosa Island is part of Channel Islands National Park and lies about 26.5 miles from the nearest mainland. The island is uninhabited and is accessible primarily by boat or aircraft, making emergency rescues particularly dependent on specialized response crews.

The successful helicopter evacuation allowed the sailor to leave the remote island safely without reported injuries.

Sources

• U.S. Coast Guard — Coast Guard rescues mariner from grounded vessel on Santa Rosa Island — September 27, 2026.
• Los Angeles Times — Coast Guard rescues sailor after boat runs aground on Santa Rosa Island — September 27, 2026.
• PEOPLE — Man Rescued After 25-Foot Sailboat Gets Stuck on Shore of California Island — September 29, 2026.